Texas heat, F1 speed - welcome to the wild one
Looking for a race weekend that goes big on action, atmosphere, and personality? Austin’s got you covered. Here’s why the US Grand Prix is more than worth the trip.
Why the US Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket listIf you’re looking to pick a race that delivers on both track action and off-track energy, the United States Grand Prix in Austin is hard to beat.
The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) has a bit of everything. A steep uphill run into Turn 1 that’s nicknamed “Big Red.” Long straights. Fast corners. A triple-apex section where drivers can actually go side by side. And 20 turns in total, one of the highest on the calendar. Elevation changes? Nearly 40 meters from lowest to highest point. Add in the anti-clockwise layout and you’ve got one of the most physically demanding tracks out there. But it’s not just tough. It’s fun. The layout encourages real racing with overtakes, battles, and late-braking moves into Turn 12. This place keeps drivers on their toes and fans on the edge of their seats. 
Wheel-to-wheel to the end: Verstappen & Hamilton in Austin, 2021
Look at the stats. In COTA’s first ten years, the winning margin topped 10 seconds just once. Races here are close. In 2021, Verstappen held off Hamilton by just 1.3 seconds. In 2022, Alonso went airborne after a high-speed collision yet somehow still finished P7. Kimi Räikkönen’s win in 2018 for Ferrari? Iconic. Austin delivers moments fans remember. 
Kimi Räikkönen celebrates his 2018 victory in Austin
The atmosphere helps, too. Drivers often name it among their favorite stops on the calendar. The crowd is massive, loud, and totally into it. “One of the best tracks of the year in terms of atmosphere and the fans,” said Alex Albon. Pierre Gasly called it “demanding but rewarding.” The addition of Sprint weekends, massive turnouts, and a growing fanbase have only made the USGP bigger and better. And then there’s Austin itself. Texas barbecue. Live music. A city that fully leans into the race weekend with a sense of fun that’s hard to fake. Embracing Texas culture has become part of the USGP tradition for teams. We’ve seen McLaren drivers donning American football-style jerseys in papaya, drivers in cowboy hats (Stetsons are often handed out on the podium instead of baseball caps), and even full western wear. 
Daniel Ricciardo rides into the US Grand Prix Texas-style
The United States GP in Austin isn’t just about the racing. It’s a cultural event where Texas hospitality meets Formula 1 glamour, blending world-class racing with Southern charm and a dash of weirdness. Austin races have delivered close finishes, championship showdowns, record crowds, and unforgettable “everything’s bigger in Texas” moments. COTA is cemented as a beloved stop on the F1 calendar. Where's the circuit?Built specifically for Formula 1, the Circuit of The Americas, or COTA, is located about 15 miles southeast of downtown Austin, surrounded by big Texas skies in a community called Elroy.
The Circuit of The Americas is F1’s Texas home
Travelling to Austin: What you need to knowAustin has direct flights from London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. Most other international travelers connect through U.S. hubs. Houston and Dallas are nearby options with good links to Austin.
U.S. fans have it easy, with frequent domestic flights. From Australia or New Zealand, expect a connection through Asia or Los Angeles. Amtrak’s Texas Eagle train also stops in Austin for a scenic option. How many days should you spend at the US Grand Prix?We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the US Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer. Between F1 sessions, you’ll also get to enjoy a full schedule of support series, including F1 Academy, Porsche Carrera Cup North America, and Masters Historic.
US Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the US Grand Prix.
Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice and Sprint qualifying, along with practice and qualifying sessions for the support series, including F1 Academy, Porsche Carrera Cup North America, and Masters Historic. Saturday begins with Porsche Carrera Cup North America qualifying, followed by the Formula 1 Sprint race, support series races, and culminating with the Formula 1 qualifying session. Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the US Grand Prix. 
Drivers' parade
Best places to stay for the US Grand PrixFor the Grand Prix, booking early is crucial. Hotels downtown can sell out months in advance. Downtown Austin is the prime location for F1 visitors. You’ll be within walking distance of 6th Street’s live music bars, Congress Avenue attractions, and plenty of restaurants. It’s also one of the main shuttle bus hubs to the track.
The Fairmont Austin, JW Marriott, and W Austin are upscale options, often used by the teams themselves. If big-name hotels are too pricey or already booked, look at well-regarded mid-range chains like Holiday Inn, Hyatt, and Hilton. All have multiple properties downtown. While rates are higher than usual during race weekend, they can still be a good option if you want to stay close to the action and experience the heart of Austin. Another popular area is South Congress (SoCo), a trendy strip just south of the river known for boutique hotels and great local food. Best Grandstands for key moments at the US Grand PrixOne of the few anti-clockwise F1 tracks, the Circuit of the Americas is a modern circuit inspired by classic Formula One venues. Hockenheim's stadium section, Istanbul's multi-apex Turn 8 and the Becketts-Maggots complex at Silverstone – the DNA of all three is clearly present in Austin. But Austin’s signature stretch, the steep run from the starting line up to a near-blind hairpin bend, is a true original.
Turn 1 Grandstand Turn 1 is one of COTA’s most iconic corners. A wide, sharp left-hand hairpin perched atop a 133-foot elevation rise, it’s a prime overtaking spot with multiple racing lines. Because of the uphill approach, drivers can brake late and take different lines, which makes for exciting battles. From the Turn 1 Grandstand, you’ll get sweeping views of the main straight, pit exit, and much of the circuit. 
Turn 1 Grandstand
Turn 4 Grandstand If you want to see high speed racing, seats at Turn 4 are a good choice. It’s one of the fastest parts of the track and puts you close to the action as drivers push through the esses with razor-sharp direction changes. Turn 12 Grandstand COTA’s longest straight ends at Turn 12, a heavy braking zone and one of the best overtaking spots on the circuit. The Turn 12 Grandstand sits on the outside of the corner and offers a clear view of the approach and braking battles. Turn 15 Grandstand Located at the end of the arena-style section, the Turn 15 Grandstand gives fans a look at a sequence of corners from Turn 12 through Turn 16. The slower speed of this technical sector means you’ll see cars up close as drivers try to set up passes or defend their lines. It’s a great place for side-by-side racing and strategic moves. 
Turn 12 & Turn 15 Grandstands
Main Grandstand (Start/Finish Straight) The Main Grandstand is the heart of the action. Sitting opposite the pit lane, it gives you a clear view of the starting grid, pit stops, and all the pre-race and post-race moments including the anthem, grid preparations, the checkered flag, and podium celebration. You’ll also see the lightning-fast launch into Turn 1 at the start, which always delivers drama. 
Main Grandstand
Most grandstands are uncovered so bring sun protection or rain gear just in case. Where next?From Austin, there are plenty of great places to explore next. You could explore the Texas Hill Country, just west of the city, for scenic drives, wineries, and small towns like Fredericksburg or Wimberley. San Antonio is only about 90 minutes south, home to the historic Alamo and the River Walk.
If you're up for a longer adventure, Austin is well positioned for a road trip to some of America’s great music cities. Memphis, Nashville, and New Orleans are all within reach and each offers its own flavor of live music, food, and culture. And if you’re chasing more F1 action, consider heading down into Mexico. The Mexican Grand Prix often runs the weekend after Austin, making it a perfect double header for fans who want to keep the experience going. Contact us and start planning your trip |
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
